Lessons Learned

Reflecting on this week's course work, I found that regardless of your position within a district you are capable of conducting effective action research. I also found that you must identify a topic that you have a particular interest in. If not, the project will not live up to its potential and may possibly dissolve over time. The final thought is that the concept of action research seems complicated and overwhelming, but in all actuality it is achievable and doable when you allow the time to plan, research, and reflect.

I have narrowed down my choice for my action research plan.
In a nut shell: I taught 3rd grade math summer school this summer. I identified several students (8 - 10) that appeared to be gaining anything from my teaching. I wondered if it was my teaching, the curriculum, or their motivation. These particular students were also seen as a behavior problem. The plan is to design a summer school curriculum that would involve several things...hands on learning, community involvement, exposure to certain situations, character education, and finally the needed academic skills that they were lacking. It would be a combo of all the items listed above. Achievable??? Lets hope so!!!